Gateshead Thunder's bid to reach the National League Two play-offs for the first time continues to be frustrated by red tape.

Thunder, without a game tomorrow, have been involved in complex negotiations with the Immigration Office and RFL in an attempt to complete their squad.

Two of the Tynesiders' final three overseas players, Aussie Scott Kelly and Papua New Guinea forward Leroy Day, have been in the country and training with the squad for several weeks.

But the duo, along with a Fijian forward yet to leave his homeland, have been unable to play due to an unexpected change in the immigration laws.

Injuries to nine players left Thunder down to the bare bones at Workington in their National League opener on Easter Monday and coach Dean Thomas is keen to get the trio on the pitch.

He said: "It's been a frustrating period for the three players involved as well as the club but hopefully the situation will be resolved this week.

"We shouldn't be penalised for the Immigration Office moving the goalposts and we're optimistic Kelly and Day will be playing for Gateshead in the near future."

However, the pair may not be cleared in time to face Whitehaven in a rearranged final Northern Rail Cup group game on Wednesday but could be in contention for the first home league game against Dewsbury Rams next Sunday.

Thomas has further strengthened his squad with the capture of Sheffield Eagles' Aussie hooker Scott Collins.